10 tips for choosing the Right Color for Barcelona Chair
In 1929, a classic was born: this chair, with its sleek, modern design and clean lines, was created for display at the World’s fair in Barcelona. An inspired collaboration between two brilliant German architects, the famed Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and his longtime assistant, Lilly Reich, resulted in a new direction for furniture design. The Barcelona chair adds polish and sophistication to any environment. You can use our tips on choosing the right color for your own Barcelona chair, and adding your own personal twist to this legendary piece of furniture:
• If your walls are neutral, consider maintaining a monochrome color scheme with neutral chairs: this is refined, modern way of decorating.
• Deep earth tones in flooring, such as dark hardwoods, are complemented by rich furniture colors, such as deep red or dark green.
• Stark white walls cry out for contrast: consider black or a primary color for your chair.
• A pastel, watercolor room will benefit from white or cream chairs for a light, soft palette
• If you use jewel tones, such as emerald or rich purple in your room décor, consider using sapphire blue for your chair to continue the rich tonality.
• In a large room, consider you Barcelona chair a sculptural piece, and pick a bright, saturated color for maximum impact.
• Anchor a cream-and-white room palette with a black chair: the tones will all work well together.
• If you are using wallpaper or printed window treatments, pick up one of the lesser colors in the print and use that as your chair color.
• Cool-toned environments such as blue, violet, and mint green will be flattered by cool chair colors: think pure white, not cream.
• Warm-toned environments such as mustard yellow or burnt orange will require warm furniture tones: cream, or tobacco brown would be good choices.
10 tips before you buy Barcelona Chair
A Barcelona Chair is the finest sculptural element you can add to your home or business. The nobility of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich’s famous Barcelona chair carries its cultural reverence to any environment in which it is placed. In the world of interior design, the Barcelona Chair epitomizes functional modern art. In the world of architecture, the Barcelona Chair is a masterpiece made by the master of the modern architectural movement. The form and function of the design elements in the Barcelona Chair require quality material and craftsmanship to convey the genuine spirit, nobility, and cultural significance of this elite furnishing. Shoddy workmanship nullifies the Barcelona’s intellectual and cultural impact, and speaks poorly to its surroundings. Only the finest replicas that exude the purism of the Barcelona chair should be displayed.
When buying your Barcelona Chair, it is imperative that the following ten design and material elements of the Barcelona Chair are carefully examined before purchasing:
1) The smooth stainless steel frame should be flawless. Mies intentionally redesigned his 1929 design in 1950 with the advent of stainless steel to use one smooth piece of stainless steel. This is critical to maintain the integrity of the Barcelona Chair’s modular design. There should be no braces at the welding joints and no seams.
2) The stainless steel is recommended to be “austenitic chromium-nickel alloys” of series 301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 316, or 321 for Barcelona Chairs. 304 and 316 are the most common grades. For Barcelona Chairs, the 400, 500, and 600 series of stainless steel are not true to the original, partially due to the “over-durability,” however higher grades of steel are often used in replicas. The stainless steel from the 200 Series of “austenitic chromium-nickel-manganese alloys” is ideal for chroming and technical specifications of the Barcelona Chair, but it is not ideal in high humidities. The Barcelona Chair may also come in Chrome, but the stainless steel has a higher resistency to corrosion.
3) The polish of the stainless steel is one of the distinctive elements of the Barcelona chair. The stainless steel finish should only by No. 7, a reflective finish, or No. 8, a mirror finish.
4) The upholstery should be cowhide, a high quality Italian leather is a good choice. The Knoll patented version of the Barcelona Chair uses an untreated top grain bovine leather, however the porousness gives it the unfortunate ability to stain easily. (More precisely, Knoll’s patented Barcelona Chair uses “1.1 mm thick, grain corrected Spinneybeck Volo leather.”) Full grain leather will age well, and top grain is the most durable on the market today. Your choice should be based on quality and the environment in which the chair is used. The untreated full grain leather may not be a practical choice in a business lobby or a home where there is much entertaining.
5) The foam density may vary per country, but should be between 30 and 36 kgs per cubic meter for the Barcelona feel. Of course, personal comfort is the most important consideration. Ideally, this should be resilient urethane foam with a Dacron polyester fiberfill. Attention should be paid to fire safety certification requirements for your area.
6) There should be 17 straps of bovine leather, approximately 7oz to 8oz in weight, dyed the same color as the upholstery. The straps should be secured to the steel frame with 34 screws, which can be aluminum or stainless steel. (The patented Knoll version has used both in the past.) The screws (and rivets if used) should be out of view. (Being able to see the screws and rivets is a poor replica.)
7) The Barcelona Chair has forty tufted panels. Hand-tufted is preferred.
8) The leather-covered buttons should be hollow metal, with a top and bottom.
9) Rope should be used for piping, but hemp and cotton are acceptable. Plastic piping does not bespeak high quality.
10) The cushions should not be oversized or overlapping the frame. After all, Mies is the father of the cliché “less is more.” The cushion should meld seamlessly with the curve of the frame. A true Barcelona Style Chair will not have seams on the outside corners.
Buying a Barcelona Chair for your home or business is certainly no easy task. Evaluating your Barcelona Chair using these ten design and material elements as guidelines will help ensure that your Barcelona Chair purchase will be of the highest quality, and truest to the forms of modern design that Mies and Lilly inspired decades ago.
10 things you did not know about the Barcelona chair
1. The making of the Barcelona chair is sometimes said to be accidental to the making of the German Pavilion. Rightly so because the Barcelona chair was in fact designed to be used for the German Pavilion during the 1929 Barcelona Worlds Fair.
2. The Barcelona chair took the attention away from the exquisite interiors of the German Pavilion. The Pavilion itself was elegantly made from eight steel posts, curtain glass walling.
3. The original Barcelona chair which was designed for the German Pavilion was dismantled when the Barcelona Fair ended. However, there is a replica of the Barcelona chair which you can still find on the same time.
4. There was two, not one original Barcelona chair designed for display purposes at the German Pavilion during the Barcelona World Fair.
5. The Barcelona chair is the designer’s interpretation of the folding chair used by Egyptian royalty as well as the folding footstool of the Romans. That alone makes the Barcelona chair a good historical piece.
6. The Barcelona chair is a product of the collaboration between two artists, architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and architect Lilly Reich. Their specific contributions could not however be ascertained but it would be worth noting that van der Rohe had never designed furniture before and even after their partnership.
7. Prior to the success of the Barcelona chair, designer van der Rohe was able to patent a laminated wood furniture known as the M20 chair which was made of tubular steel cantilever.
8. The genuine Barcelona chairs boast of designer Mies van der Rohe’s facsimile signature on the frame. Also check out the Knoll studio logo stamped on the other frame.
9. The exclusive right to manufacture the Barcelona chairs has been awarded to Knoll, Inc. which also owns the trademark of the Barcelona chairs by mies van der rohe.
10. The original Barcelona chair had bolted framed but was later on redesigned using seamless stainless steel. The original Barcelona chair was also made of pigskin leather but was replaced by Bovine leather later on.
10 tips before you buy Barcelona Bed
The Barcelona Bed was created after Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair and Barcelona Ottoman, however Master Mies van der Rohe continued to skillfully thread the sculptural elements of his designer Barcelona Chair and Ottoman into his contemporary Barcelona Bed. Clean lines, minimalist appeal, luxurious leather and mirrored tubular steel weaved their way throughout these timeless Barcelona designs. The Barcelona Bed speaks sleek designer sophistication, and, as many of Mies’ other masterpieces, is a Museum of Modern Art award recipient.
Functionality is a necessary component of modern design, and the Barcelona Bed functions as a bed, daybed, and couch. The Barcelona Bedis a work of art that succeeds in being visually light, and yet, at the same time, it is a serious composition in sophisticated modern art and modern home interior design.
Such serious sophistication and composition in modern interior design can be diminished by poor replicas. The following are ten measurable specifications of a quality Barcelona Bed that you can evaluate before making a Barcelona Bed purchase for your modern home:
1) The Barcelona Bed begins with a quality hardwood frame, typically a quality Sapele. However, other hardwoods are offered to satisfy the needs of the individual home designer.
2) The hardwood frame on the Barcelona Bed is lacquered with a clear coat for a protective finish.
3) Rubber webbing is bound to the hardwood frame to provide a firm, but not overbearing, support to the mattress.
4) Eleven thick leather straps that contain the rubber webbing are visible on the frame and should be dyed to match the upholstery of the cushion.
5) The cushions on the Barcelona Bed should be made from highly resilient urethane foam that also contains a Dacron polyester fiberfill. They should, of course, also conform to the fire-retardant specifications of your region.
6) The glorious leather upholstery contributes greatly to the sophistication of the Barcelona Bed. The leather should be a quality Italian leather, Spinneybeck, or of other high quality luxurious leather.
7) The Barcelona Bed is masterfully crafted with 72 hand-tufted cushions that are individually welted and buttoned from a single cowhide.
8) The pillow on the Barcelona Bed must be of the same quality leather and color as the mattress. Straps secure the pillow to the cushion, and snaps provide stability to the pillow, as well as the freedom to move the pillow as desired.
9) The Barcelona Bed has tubular steel legs that are polished with a stainless steel finish.
10) The Barcelona Bed should be approximately 25” (63.5cm) high, 29” (73.66cm) wide, and 78” (198.12cm) in diameter, with a seat height of about 15.35.”
A Barcelona Bed is one of the most sophisticated and versatile additions available to modern home interior designs. Quality material will ensure that your designer bed is crafted for a lifetime of everyday use. Adherence to the original designer’s specifications ensures that your Barcelona Bed is crafted with the expertise of the masters of modern design. Evaluate the ten tips listed above when reviewing the selection for your Barcelona Bed purchase. Doing so will provide you with a functional designer masterpiece that will add a sleek sophistication to your home’s modern interior design – and provide you with a lifetime of comfort and style that only a few true sophisticates can truly attain.
10 accent pieces that go with the Barcelona chair
A Barcelona chair is a priceless commodity in itself and it can add up to the beauty of your interiors even if it is the only piece of furniture placed in a specific room. You can however add some accent pieces that can make your room more attractive.
The rule of thumb when looking for accent pieces to place in a room is that it should not clash with your Barcelona chair. The Barcelona chair may be a simple piece of furniture but the fact that it is a Barcelona chair makes it the center of attention in every room.
Here are some accent pieces you can use with your Barcelona chair without going overboard interior-design wise.
1. Rugs
Rugs are among the basic interior design items that anyone can use regardless of their budget. There are different types of rugs but make sure you choose a rug design that complements the color of your Barcelona chair.
2. Lamps
Lamps light up a room and it will also light up your day especially when it is properly matched with your Barcelona chair. You can opt for a floor, table or ceiling lamp but the design should also be contemporary to suit your Barcelona chair.
3. Paintings
A room with a Barcelona chair tucked in a corner with a beautiful painting in the background beckons to anyone who wants a few minutes of relaxation. A genuine painting by Picasso can be a good match to your Barcelona chair but if that’s too expensive for you then opt for the more affordable modern paintings.
4. Ottoman
Not all Barcelona chairs come with an ottoman but if your purpose is to have a special nook where you can take a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life then nothing beats sitting in your Barcelona chair while putting your feet up on a matching ottoman.
5. Coffee table
A Barcelona chair can serve plenty of purpose and one of them is for brief coffee breaks. A matching coffee table will make your coffee breaks more relaxing to the senses.
6. Flowers
Pretty flowers are always effective in creating a homely and cheerful atmosphere so match them with your Barcelona chair.
7. Wooden or metal sculptures
Create contrast in your living room by placing your Barcelona chair beside wooden or metal sculptures that depict the Aztecs or even some native tribe artifacts.
8. Candles
Scented or aromatic candles in big sizes placed on your tabletop can be a good accent piece for your Barcelona chair. Light up the candles when you have visitors or when using the chair to create a soothing atmosphere.
9. Books
Why not place some books beside your Barcelona chair? Take advantage of the comfort offered by the chair and catch up on your reading.
10. Pillows
Matching or contrasting throw pillows can create a certain aura when matched with your Barcelona chair. The size of the pillows will of course depend on the size of your Barcelona chair.
You need not spend much to get accent pieces for your Barcelona chair. What you need is a little cash on the side and lots of creativity to make your home or office comfortable.
5 contemporary lamps that go well with your Barcelona chair
Your Barcelona chair can stand alone both as functional furniture and as a decorative piece. However, it would be great to mix and match your Barcelona chair with other eye-catching pieces for your home like a contemporary lamp.
There are lots of choices when it comes to the type of contemporary lamps that can go well with your Barcelona chair. You can choose from the different types and designs of floor lamps, pendant lights and table lamps. The different types of lamps alone can make you dizzy but get some ideas from these five contemporary lamps that you can match with your Barcelona chair.
1. The Bubble Table Lamp
This lamp, which was designed by Valerio Bottin, is an ideal companion to your Barcelona chair. With the chrome metal finish and an eye catching design, the Bubble Table lamp can be placed as a table accent which can also be a conversation piece. It is available in cream yellow or white color.
2. Kundalini Shakti Floor Lamp
The Kundalini Shakti Floor Lamp is a very functional lamp which goes well with modern furniture like your Barcelona chair. It boasts of two lights, the top ambient light and the bottom light for reading. It also has a light diffuser made of and extruded Plexiglass tube that has been city with laser. This very dramatic floor lamp by Marzio Rusconi Clerici is available in pink, red, orange and white to match the color of your Barcelona chair.
3. Obelisk lamps
The obelisk lamps are available both as a table lamp and a floor lamp. Your choice will of course depend on the type of Barcelona chair you have in your possession with which you want to match your lamp. The silk shade is matched with a square metal bottom and black wood triangle base.
4. Spotlight
Your Barcelona chair should always be on the spotlight and the best way to do this is to match it with a spotlight lamp. The spotlight lamp is available as a table lamp and a floor lamp so choose the one which matches your Barcelona chair best. It has an anodized shade which can be easily adjusted. The chrome metal pole is also classy.
5. Candles Lamp
The hourglass shape of this lamp makes it a good match for your Barcelona chair . You can opt for the table candle lamp or the floor table lamp. It has a walnut wood base and a fluted frosted glass shade adding to its simplicity and class.
The choice of lamp to accompany your Barcelona chair will of course depend not only on the color and location of your Barcelona chair but also on your interior design.
5 coffee tables that go really well with Barcelona chair
A breakfast room or sun room would benefit from having a Barcelona chair and a matching coffee table. This is one place where you can entertain close friends or relax by yourself while sipping your favorite cup of brewed coffee. However, lounging on your favorite Barcelona chair would make it more relaxing.
The choice of a coffee table to go with your Barcelona chair depends on the size of the room as well as the chair you will match it with. You should also consider the interiors of the room and the types of entertaining you usually do whether you usually have several people fro coffee or snacks or just a few intimate friends.
Here are five coffee tables that can go well with your Barcelona chair:
Barcelona Coffee Table
Nothing beats the original Barcelona coffee table from Knoll, the official license and trademark holder of the Barcelona chair. This coffee table from Knoll, which carries a certificate of authenticity, is an ideal match to your Barcelona chair although it can be an expensive piece. However the price you pay for this Barcelona coffee table is worth it knowing that it is a good conversational piece and fully functional as well. It follows the Barcelona chair design of seamless stainless steel. As such, the steel base of this coffee table will never rust.
Reproduction of the Barcelona Coffee Table
If the original Barcelona coffee table from Knoll is beyond your budget then an ideal option is the reproduction of the Mies van der Rohe Barcelona coffee table. The table itself is made from polished plate glass with a hand-buffed and hand-ground frame and beveled edge. You can choose from a variety of glass top thickness from 12mm to 19mm. It boasts of the X middle which is the trademark of the Barcelona series as well as a stainless steel structure.
Dessau Table
While it used to be known as the Desau table, it is now fondly called Barcelona Table. Unlike the original Barcelona coffee table though, the Dessau table has a chrome-plated steel base. This coffee table, which was first produced by Joseph Muller, was first found at the Tugendhat in Czechoslovakia but has since been moved to Berlin’s Bamberg Metallwerkstatten.
Eileen Gray Coffee Table
This coffee table is a good match to a single-piece Barcelona chair with ottoman. The stainless steel base is reminiscent of the original Barcelona coffee table which would justify its being paired with a Barcelona chair. This round coffee table is ideal for entertaining intimate friends.
Glass square coffee table
A square coffee table with a stainless steel base and a glass top will be a good match for a four-piece Barcelona leather chair with matching chaise foot support. The size of the coffee table is just enough even of the whole Barcelona lounge chair gets occupied by four or more people.
The choice of coffee tables to go with your Barcelona chair is endless and limited only by your budget as well as the size and type of Barcelona chair you have in the room.
10 things to love about the Barcelona Chair
1. The Barcelona chair was a product not only of the professional collaboration but the love affair between Lilly Reich and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Both are credited as the designers of the Barcelona chair.
2. Van der Rohe did not anymore design any furniture after his relationship with Lilly Reich. Is this because the Barcelona chair is the manifestation of Mies’s undying love for Lilly Reich or does this signify of Reich’s more important role in the design of the Barcelona chair?
3. The price of the Barcelona chair depends of course on whether it the authentic furniture but it also depends on whether it is made of chrome construction or seamless stainless steel. Both options are however buffed by hand until it possesses a mirror finish.
4. The Barcelona chair is comfortable mainly because the back cushions are specifically formed to fit the frame’s curve. The chair’s leather panels have also been tufted, welted and cut by hand.
5. There are a lot of options when it comes to the color of your Barcelona chair. Choose from the over 500 colors of Spinneyback leather which is available in different qualities. Spinneyback leather is said to be the best color leather.
6. Your children can have their own Barcelona chair and ottoman too. The kiddie Barcelona chair is available in chrome frame and is scaled by 85% based on the original size. The Barcelona chair for kids has a measurement of 24 inches in width, 24 inches in diameter and 25 inches in height.
7. Barcelona chairs, especially those made by Knoll, are environment friendly. Knoll has established manufacturing policies that are geared towards biosphere protection and waste reduction.
8. The authentic Barcelona chair can be expensive but you have an option to settle for a reproduction chair. Choose a manufacturer that makes Barcelona chair reproductions using hand-made stainless steel as well as hand-selected leather material.
9. The Barcelona chair may be an artwork but it is also functional. You can never waste money by buying a Barcelona chair because it is what they call functional art.
10. Having a Barcelona chair anywhere in your home or office is always a status symbol. They are known to be the chairs of kings and queens so expect to feel pampered whenever you use them.
10 tips before you buy Barcelona Table
A Barcelona Table is a transcendent picture of clear beauty. The exquisite design of the Barcelona Table reflects the geometric and minimalist principals of modern architecture in its simplest form. Ludwig Mies van der Rohes masterful impression of modern architecture in the crisp, clear and elegant design of the Barcelona Table is also designed to capture the surrounding light and artistically render complementing shadows to further grace the Table’s design. This beautiful work of art functions as well in the home as it does the business office or waiting room. The Barcelona Table’s pure design, with perfectly proportioned lines that utilize light and dimension to contribute to its award-winning stature, is a captivating work of modern art that adds to the value of any modern home furniture collection and clearly adds beauty to any modern interior design in the home or office. Substituting a poor replica subtracts from the value of its elegance and stature.
When purchasing the beautiful Barcelona Table for your home interior design or office furnishings, examine your purchase for the following attributes to ensure your fine furniture purchase adheres to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s encompassing portrayal of modern architecture:
1) The clear glass tabletop on the Barcelona Table is 40” by 40” (101.6 cm by 101.6 cm) and should be ¾” (1.905cm) thick.
2) The edges of the glass tabletop should be close to 1/8″ wide (0.31cm).
3) The edges on the Barcelona tabletop are angled (beveled). The beveled edges are intrinsic to the design’s employment of light as a design tool. The angled edges bend the light to create the prismatic design that Mies van der Rohe intended.
4) The legs of the Barcelona Table should be made of stainless steel or chrome.
5) Whether the legs are made of stainless steel or chrome, it should be hand-buffed for a long-lasting mirror finish that further manipulates the use of light as a design element.
6) Stainless steel should ideally be a premium grade, such as a 202 bar stock. A premium grade such as the AISI classifications 201, 202, 205, or the 300 series that includes 304N, 304LN, 316N, or 316LN, contain nitrogen, which adds strength and durability.
7) The legs on the Barcelona Table are seamlessly welded to form a smooth singular element that contributes to the overall minimalist design.
8) The legs on the Barcelona Table are straight and flat, and do not have the tubular steel form that many other modern furniture masterpieces implement in their designs.
9) Both stainless steel and chrome versions have bumpers available in black or white.
10) The height from the base to the tabletop should be between 17 and 18.5 inches. This varies due to the type and size of steel or chrome that is used.
A Barcelona Table that adheres to these design elements will add the elegance of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s award-winning design to your modern home interior and upscale office furnishings. Clarity, purity, minimalism and functionality define the Barcelona Table, and your purchase of a quality Barcelona Table will cultivate its exquisite essence into your modern home furniture collection and into the surroundings of your everyday living.
5 tips for choosing the right spot for the barcelona chair
Your Barcelona chair is a priceless possession but depending on your intentions you can either put it in a place where everyone can see it or hide it from the curious eyes of strangers. Here are some points to consider when choosing the right spot for your Barcelona chair.
Prestige of the Barcelona chair
A Barcelona chair is a thing of beauty and it can stand on its own wherever it may be placed. Here are some ideas to help you put your Barcelona chair in the right spot.
Size
The size of your Barcelona chair matters when it comes to choosing the right spot for the chair. If you intend to place your Barcelona chair in a tight area where the chair could not be situated comfortably not positioned strategically then it would not give justice to the chair and can even damage your chair especially if it is a tight spot.
Purpose
If your Barcelona chair is purely for your pleasure then nothing beats placing it in your room. If you have a spacious bedroom where you even have a receiving area then you can place your Barcelona chair there where you can enjoy it best both aesthetically and functionally.
Status Symbol
Admit it. Owning a Barcelona chair can improve your status symbol. If you want to heighten that then place your Barcelona chair where people can see it. It can be your office or your living room or anywhere you accept guests or business partners.
Safety
The right spot for every Barcelona chair is where it is safe and where its beauty and quality can be preserved. The cheapest Barcelona chair can cost from $500 up so make sure you take care of this expensive piece of furniture.
There are lots of areas where you can place your Barcelona chair. However the best spot would be where you can enjoy it the most considering your purpose for buying the chair and for keeping it.
5 tips for choosing the color of barcelona chair
The iconic Barcelona chair is usually available in black or white although you can match your chair color to the interiors of the room where you will locate the chair. Unlike other furniture pieces where color matters most, the value of a Barcelona chair lies in its history and its superb craftsmanship.
However, if you are very particular about your Barcelona chair matching your interiors to a T then here are some tips to choosing the right color for your Barcelona chair.
· The color of a chair’s upholstery is usually the first focus of attraction. However, to the knowing eye, the fact that the piece of furniture flauntingly displayed on your living room is a Barcelona chair is enough no matter what the color is. The seamless stainless steel of the Barcelona chair is enough to elicit oohs and ahhs from visitors who know that such a chair is highly-prized and highly-priced.
· The original Barcelona chairs designed by Mies van der Rohe were made of pigskin leather in ivory, a material which was very expensive making the chair a priceless piece of furniture. If you can get your hands on a Barcelona chair made of ivory pigskin leather and you can afford it then you are one lucky buyer.
· Getting the original ivory-colored pigskin leather upholstery for the Barcelona chair is almost impossible nowadays but you can still opt for the Bovine leather which replaced the original leather material used for the Barcelona chair. If you want the original Bovine leather color then make sure you order from Knoll which owns the Barcelona chair design license and trademark.
· There are manufacturers who have experimented with different leather materials but following the rules of design that goes into the making of the Barcelona chair. The options are unlimited because each type of leather possesses different characteristics in terms of shade, texture and thickness. These leathers are dyed so you can choose from a variety of colors for your Barcelona chair.
· While the color of your furniture matters, this is not always the case when what you have in your room is a Barcelona chair. However, there are lots of options now when it comes to the leather upholstery from which a Barcelona chair can be made and that goes for the color as well.
If color is really important for you then check out the various offerings of online stores but make sure what you see is what you get not only in terms of color but in terms of quality as well.
5 easy ways to extend the life of your Barcelona chair
An original reproduction or not, you spent precious money in your Barcelona chair. It is thus important to take good care of your Barcelona chair to make sure it lasts for a long time. Here are five easy ways to extend the life of your Barcelona chair.
1. The improved version of the Barcelona chair followed a seamless stainless steel design. And since your Barcelona frame consists of a whole frame without the welding point then you can be assured it is stronger and long-lasting. However, make sure you place your chair in a location where it will not be exposed to the heat of the sun or drenched by rain or other liquid sources to ensure its longevity.
2. Your Barcelona chairs may be made of leather but inside those leather seats are cushions made of foam rubber that can easily rot when exposed to too much liquid. It is wise to keep liquid, stronger liquids or even as mild as water away from your Barcelona chair.
3. Whatever the color of your Barcelona chair is, it is best to keep it away from food and other items that can stain the chair. Light-colored Barcelona chairs require the utmost care as children in the house can easily stain the chair with crayons, pens and other writing materials or even food.
4. Your leather upholstery should be kept away from sunlight even when the chair is placed inside a room. Your Barcelona chair may be made of Aniline leather but the patina can fade when it is exposed to sunlight for long periods. Choose a spot in the house or in your office where it will not be regularly expose to the heat of the sun.
5. Make sure you take care of your Barcelona chair by choosing a leather cleaner that will not strip the natural oils that are used to lubricate the leather. Stay away from saddle soap which can indeed protect leather from moisture but will in effect strip the leather of the natural lubricants or oils.
The cost of your Barcelona chair is enough reason to make sure you take care of your chair properly.Barcelona chair is a beautiful piece of art, and if well taken care of then it will last for years to come. Simply by taking a few simple steps, you can prolong the life of your modern contemporary furniture.
10 ways to take care of your Barcelona chair
1. Read up on Barcelona chairs and familiarize yourself with how their owners take care of their precious furniture. This way you can get tips which are not known to ordinary mortals, who are not as passionate about their Barcelona chairs, as art collectors.
2. Determine the materials that make up your Barcelona chair. While genuine Barcelona chair is made up of seamless stainless steel, there are various reproductions that make use of various materials.
3. Learn the difference between pigskin leather and cow leather. The original Barcelona chair was made of pigskin and the material was changed to cow leather. Is your leather upholstery thick or thin? Has it been treated or dyed? Once you get this information ask the retailer from where you bought the chair about the proper way of caring for such materials.
4. If your Barcelona chair is from Knoll then most probably it has untreated leather. If this is the case, make sure to protect your chair from liquid spillage and sun exposure as untreated leather can easily fade.
5. Use a leather cleaner that does not leave any residue once the cleaning is done as it can make your Barcelona chair oily. An oily chair is more susceptible to bacteria build-up which can destroy the material.
6. Do not use overly wet cloth when cleaning your leather. A slightly damp cloth can still do its job without destroying the lubricant of your leather. Make sure you clean the stitched areas with a brush.
7. Make sure you condition your leather once in a while to maintain its natural lubrication and suppleness. Choose a conditioner that can penetrate the leather material but make sure the product does not contain mineral oil or petroleum as it can damage your Barcelona chair in the long run.
8. Choose a moisture barrier that can protect your Barcelona chair from spillage. However this can also result to grease build-up which can make polishing and cleaning difficult later on. However, the advantage of using this product outweighs the disadvantages.
9. When water or any liquid is accidentally spilled on your leather make sure to treat the leather even before it dries out. Use a cleaning agent to remove dirt and stain and then apply a conditioner. Do not expose the leather to extreme heat when drying.
10. Oil stains on your Barcelona chair leather can be cleaned by sprinkling the affected area with ground chalk. Leave the chalk for a day without rubbing and then just brush the powder away.